Phrasal verbs are essential for mastering everyday English, and they’re particularly useful when talking about clothes. Whether you’re discussing your wardrobe or shopping for new outfits, these combinations of verbs and prepositions will help you communicate more clearly. Here’s a list of 20 phrasal verbs for clothes to help you improve your fluency and understanding.
Here is the list of 20 Phrasal Verbs for Clothes:
- Try on
- Take off
- Put on
- Dress up
- Dress down
- Button up
- Zip up
- Slip on
- Slip off
- Throw on
- Hang up
- Wear out
- Break in
- Do up
- Roll up
- Turn up
- Kick off
- Tuck in
- Get into
- Go with
Phrasal Verbs for Clothes And Their Meanings
Try on
Meaning: To put on clothing to see if it fits or suits you.
Example: She went to the fitting room to try on the dress.
Take off
Meaning: To remove an item of clothing.
Example: Please take off your shoes before entering the house.
Put on
Meaning: To wear an item of clothing.
Example: He put on a warm jacket because it was chilly outside.
Dress up
Meaning: To wear elegant or formal clothes.
Example: You don’t need to dress up for the party; it’s very casual.
Dress down
Meaning: To wear less formal clothes than usual.
Example: On Fridays, we can dress down and wear jeans to work.
Button up
Meaning: To fasten all the buttons of a piece of clothing.
Example: It’s cold outside, so make sure you button up your coat.
Zip up
Meaning: To fasten the zipper of a piece of clothing.
Example: Can you help me zip up this dress?
Slip on
Meaning: To put on an item of clothing quickly.
Example: She slipped on a pair of comfortable sneakers.
Slip off
Meaning: To remove an item of clothing quickly.
Example: He slipped off his shoes after a long day at work.
Throw on
Meaning: To put on an item of clothing quickly and carelessly.
Example: I just threw on the first T-shirt I found in my closet.
Hang up
Meaning: To put clothes on a hanger or hook.
Example: Don’t leave your jacket on the chair; please hang it up.
Wear out
Meaning: To become damaged or useless due to repeated use.
Example: I’ve worn out my favorite jeans after wearing them so often.
Break in
Meaning: To wear new shoes or clothes until they become comfortable.
Example: I need to break in my new hiking boots before the trip.
Do up
Meaning: To fasten or secure an item of clothing.
Example: Make sure you do up your coat before heading out.
Roll up
Meaning: To fold or turn the edges of sleeves or pants upwards.
Example: He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Turn up
Meaning: To adjust the length of an item of clothing by folding.
Example: She turned up the cuffs of her pants to make them shorter.
Kick off
Meaning: To remove shoes quickly, often without using your hands.
Example: As soon as he got home, he kicked off his sneakers.
Tuck in
Meaning: To place a shirt or blouse inside the waistband of pants or a skirt.
Example: Please tuck in your shirt for the interview.
Get into
Meaning: To put on clothing, often with difficulty.
Example: She struggled to get into her old pair of jeans.
Go with
Meaning: To match or complement an item of clothing.
Example: Does this tie go with my shirt?
